Electronic dart

ABSTRACT

An electronic dart comprises a frame, a target grille rotatable in the frame, protective frames on the target grille target blocks on sector-shaped spaces of the target grille, a sensor assembly, a rear board threadedly secured to both the target grille and the frame, and a score display board on the bottom being at a relative long distance from the dart for preventing from being hit by errant darts. A replacement of the damaged target block can be done by first disengaging the rear board and the target grille from the frame. Furthermore, score signal is wirelessly sent to the score display board.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a dart and more particularly to an electronic dart with improved characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For increasing excitement, electronic darts (i.e., score is recorded electronically in the dart) have been developed in recent years. One of such well known darts 1 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The dart 1 comprises a front target grille 2 formed of plastic, a plurality of target blocks 3 provided on sectors of the target grille 2, an intermediate sensor assembly 4 comprising a plurality of thin boards including a circuit board, and a rear board 5 threadedly secured to the sensor assembly 4 and the target grille 2. The dart 1 is clung to a frame 6. A score display 7 and a number of buttons are provided below the dart 1 on the frame 6. In playing a game, a user may throw a dart at an aimed target block 3. Once the target block 3 is hit, a corresponding score is sent to the score display 7 for showing by the enabled sensor assembly 4.

[0003] However, the well known dart 1 suffered from several disadvantages. For example, a correct score may not be recorded by the score display 7 if one or more damaged target blocks 3 are hit by the dart(s). Moreover, a simple replacement of the damaged target block 3 is not possible because the target blocks 3 are sold in a whole. Further, the assembly of the target blocks 3 and the sensor assembly 4 is not easy. Furthermore, the score display 7 is susceptible of being hit and thus damaged by the errant darts. Hence, it is typical for the user to throw away the whole dart 1 if one of its components is malfunctioned. In view of this, it is not cost effective.

[0004] It is known that a correct score can only be recorded by a well contact between the hit target block 3 and the sensor assembly 4. Another well known target block 8 is shown in FIG. 3. The target block 8 comprises a target block body 9 formed of sisal and a target block frame 10 having four slightly concave sides 11. For mounting the target block body 9 into the target block frame 10, the target block body 9 has to be compressed tightly in advance. The placed target block body 9 is then expanded by its nature to urge the sides 11 outward so as to tightly fit into the target block frame 10 and thus forms a target block 8 having a predetermined shape. However, the well known dart 1 suffered from several disadvantages. For example, the size of the target block 8 may be too large if the expansion of the target block body 9 is excessive. To the contrary, the engagement of the target block body 9 and the target block frame 10 may become loose if the expansion of the target block body 9 is not sufficient. Unfortunately, both the over and under expansion of the target block body 9 are often occurred. This is not desirable.

[0005] It is typical that the dart is made of metal. A protective metal frame is typically mounted on the surface of the target grille for preventing the metal dart from damaging the plastic target grille while playing. A portion of a prior art dart frame having a protective structure is shown in FIG. 4. The round target grille 12 comprises a plurality of circular frame elements 13. A hole 14 is formed at the intersection of the frame element 13 and each radial rib thereof. A protective member 15 is mounted on a section of the frame element 13 between two adjacent holes 14. Finally, a fastening member 16 is inserted into the hole 14 to secure the adjacent protective members 15 together. However, the well known protective frame suffered from several disadvantages. For example, a plurality of mountings of the protective members 15 on the frame elements 13 are performed in assembly. Moreover, a plurality of mountings of the fastening members 16 on the frame elements 13 are also required. Hence, it is a time consuming assembly process.

[0006] Thus, it is desirable to provide a novel an electronic dart in order to overcome the above drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic dart comprising a ring-shaped frame including an inner flange, a score ring disposed on the inner flange, and a circuit board disposed on the inner flange, the circuit board having a signal transmission assembly having a plurality of switches; a round target grille confined by the frame, the target grille including a central rotary shaft so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner flange, a peripheral flange, a plurality of sector-shaped spaces, and a plurality of holes each at an intersection of a circumferential bar and a radial rib of the target grille; a plurality of protective frames including a plurality of staged inner positioning protrusions secured in the holes; a plurality of target blocks disposed on the sector-shaped spaces; a plurality of containers for receiving the target blocks, each container including a plurality of pegs on the bottom; a sensor assembly including a plurality of thin boards and a circuit board, the sensor assembly being threadedly secured to the target grille and being electrically connected to the circuit board; a rear board threadedly secured to both the target grille and the frame; and a score display board on the bottom, the score display board including a signal receiving assembly, wherein when a thrown dart hits one of the target blocks, the hit target block is pressed to displace inward to cause the pegs to contact the sensor assembly and enable one of the switches for running one of a plurality of score calculation programs, in response a score signal is generated by the sensor assembly, the score signal is sent to the signal transmission assembly for enabling it to detect, determine, and encode the signal and wirelessly transmit the encoded signal to the score display, and the signal receiving assembly receives the encoded signal for decoding, analyzing, and showing a score calculated by the score calculation program on the score display board.

[0008] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a conventional electronic dart;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 dart mounted on a frame;

[0011]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of another well known target block;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of target grille of a well known dart frame having a protective structure;

[0013]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an electronic dart according to the invention;

[0014]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the FIG. 5 target grille;

[0015]FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 5 target grille and protective frame;

[0016]FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the FIG. 5 target grille and protective frame;

[0017]FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 5 target grille and protective frame;

[0018]FIG. 6E is an exploded view of the FIG. 5 target block;

[0019]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 5 dart and score display;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the assembled FIG. 5 dart;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing components of signal transmission assembly in circuit board and signal receiving assembly of the score display according to the invention;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a score recording process according to the invention;

[0023]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view where the FIG. 5 dart is being assembled;

[0024]FIG. 12 is a front view of the FIG. 5 dart;

[0025]FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 7 where a target block of the score of the invention is hit by a dart;

[0026]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a displacement of the target block hit by the dart;

[0027]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view where another preferred embodiment of dart according to the invention is being assembled;

[0028]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing another preferred embodiment of target block according to the invention where the target block is hit by a dart; and

[0029]FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view where the dart and the score display are being assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 14 and 17, there is shown an electronic dart 20 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The dart 20 comprises a ring-shaped frame 21 including an inner flange 211, a score ring 212 on the inner flange 211, a plurality of rear studs 213 equally spaced apart around the inner flange 211, a circuit board 214 on the inner flange 211, a plurality of switches 215 provided on the circuit board 214, the switches 215 being selectable to correspond to a desired score calculation program as detailed later, and two projecting sliding blocks 216 on the bottom of the frame 21; a round target grille 22 confined by the frame 21, the target grille 22 including a central rotary shaft so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner flange 211, a peripheral flange 221, a plurality of sector-shaped spaces 223 defined by circumferential bars and radial ribs thereof, a plurality of tabs 224 equally spaced apart around the peripheral flange 221, the tabs 224 being disposed corresponding to the studs 213, a plurality of apertures 222 each through the tab 224, and a plurality of holes 225 each at the intersection of of the circumferential bar and the rib; and a plurality of protective frames 23 including a plurality of staged inner positioning protrusions 231 disposed corresponding to the holes 225, a slope 232 at the end of the longer section of the protective frame 23, a projection 233 extended from the slope 232, a mating slope 234 at the end of the shorter section of the protective frame 23, and a recess 235 in the mating slope 234. As shown in FIG. 6D, for one of the protective frames 23 (e.g., protective frame 23A), its positioning protrusion 231 is inserted into the hole 225 for fastening. Also, its slope 232 and projection 233 are matingly engaged with the mating slope 234 and the recess 235 of the adjacent protective frame 23B respectively.

[0031] The dart 20 further comprises a plurality of target blocks 24 provided on the sector-shaped spaces 223, each target block 24 including a plastic target block body 241, a four-sided target block frame 242 having an upper opening, the target block frame 242 being integrally formed with the target block body 241, a plastic four-sided container 243 having a receiving space slightly smaller than the target block frame 242, and a plurality of pegs 244 on the bottom of the container 243; a sensor assembly 25 consisting of a plurality of thin boards (three are shown) 251 including a circuit board, each board of the sensor assembly 25 including a plurality of through holes disposed corresponding to the tabs 224 and the apertures 222 so that the sensor assembly 25 can be secured to the target grille 22 by threading (as detailed later) for electrically connecting to the circuit board 214; a rear board 26 including a plurality of apertures 261A, 261B disposed corresponding to the tabs 224 and the apertures 222 so that screws 27A may be driven through the apertures 261A and the tabs 224 for fastening the rear board 26 and the target grille 22 together. Likewise, second screws 27B may be driven through the apertures 261B and the studs 213 for fastening the rear board 26 and the frame 21 together; and a signal transmission assembly 28 formed in the circuit board 214, the signal transmission assembly 28 including a signal transmission module 281, a microprocessor 282 for encoding, and the switches 215.

[0032] Referring to the flow chart of FIG. 10, in the process the signal transmission module 281 first detects an initialized target. Next, it detects whether the dart 20 has been hit by a thrown dart. If not, the process loops back to the target initialization detection step. If yes, it determines which sector of the target is hit by the dart. Next, it detects whether the corresponding switch 215 is turned on. If no, the process goes to a normal score calculation step (i.e., program). If yes, the process goes to one of the selected switch score calculation step. Note that, the scores around the score ring 212 are marked according to international standard. Hence, a change of the scores on the score ring 212 is not allowed. When the target blocks 24 and the sensor assembly 25 are rotated in synchronism, positions of the target blocks 24 relative to the score ring 212 are changed. Further, each score of the score ring 212 should correspond to one of the target blocks 24. A score calculated by a corresponding score calculation program associated with the selected switch 215 is added to a password and a dart code of the corresponding one of the target blocks 24 to obtain a check sum. In this manner, all check sums of the scores can be calculated. Finally, the microprocessor 282 performs a coding on the check sums.

[0033] The dart 20 further comprises a score display board 30 on the bottom. The score display board 30 comprises a signal receiving assembly 31 including a receiving module 311, a microprocessor 312 for decoding, a game microprocessor 313, and a display microprocessor 314. The receiving module 311 first receives signals sent from the signal transmission assembly 28. In response, the microprocessor 312 decodes the received signals. Next, the game microprocessor 313 determines which score calculation program is performed. Finally, a corresponding score is shown on the display microprocessor 314. The score display board 30 further comprises a concave engagement portion 32 on the top. The engagement portion 32 is conformed to mate with the peripheral arc of the frame 21. Further, two grooves 33 are formed on the engagement portion 32. The sliding blocks 216 are inserted into the grooves 33 for tightly engagement therewith.

[0034] In a case that the target block 24A is damaged the user may unscrew the screws 27B from the rear board 26 and the frame 21 so as to disengage the rear board 26 and the target grille 22 from the frame 21. Next, a replacement of the damaged target block 24A can be performed. Finally, drive the screws 27B through the apertures 261B and the studs 213 for fastening the rear board 26 and the frame 21 together again. The target block body 241 is received in the target block frame 242. Hence, the target block body 241 can be protected from being damaged by errant darts. Also, the target block frame 242 is tightly fitted in the target grille 22. As an end, the target blocks 24 can be rotated smoothly. An errant dart can only hit the periphery (i.e., the target block frame 242) without penetrating into a gap between the target block 24 and the target grille 22.

[0035] In a normal operation, when the thrown dart hits one of the target blocks 24, the target block body 241 is pressed to displace inward together with the target block frame 242. Thus, the container 243 is vibrated. The pegs 244 then are in contact with the sensor assembly 25 in the rear. A score signal is thus generated by the sensor assembly 25. The score signal is then sent to the circuit board 214. The signal transmission assembly 28 on the circuit board 214 is enabled to detect, determine, and encode the signal and wirelessly transmit the encoded signal to the score display board 30. The signal receiving assembly 31 then receives the signal for decoding, analyzing, and showing the corresponding score. Preferably, the score display board 30 is provided at a relative long distance from the dart 20 so as to prevent from being hit by errant darts.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown another preferred embodiment of dart according to the invention. As shown, an abutment plate 29 is formed on top of the sensor assembly 25. Further, the screws 27A are driven to secure the abutment plate 29 to the target grille 22. Furthermore, the studs 213 are provided near an outer edge of the frame 21 so that the screws 27B can be driven into the apertures 261B to secure the target grille 22 and the sensor assembly 25 between the rear board 26 and the frame 21. In replacing a damaged target block 24, the user simply unscrews the screws 27B to unfasten the rear board 26 and the frame 21. Next, rotate the target grille 22 so as to remove the damaged target block 24 for replacement.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown another preferred embodiment of target block according to the invention. The target block 24 comprises a plastic target block body 241, a four-sided, hollow target block frame 242 integrally formed with the target block body 241, a plastic four-sided container 243 having a receiving space, and a plurality of pegs 244 on the bottom of the container 243.

[0038] While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic dart comprising: a ring-shaped frame including an inner flange, a score ring disposed on the inner flange, and a circuit board disposed on the inner flange, the circuit board having a signal transmission assembly having a plurality of switches; a round target grille confined by the frame, the target grille including a central rotary shaft so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner flange, a peripheral flange, a plurality of sector-shaped spaces, and a plurality of holes each at an intersection of a circumferential bar and a radial rib of the target grille; a plurality of protective frames including a plurality of staged inner positioning protrusions secured in the holes; a plurality of target blocks disposed on the sector-shaped spaces; a plurality of containers for receiving the target blocks, each container including a plurality of pegs on the bottom; a sensor assembly including a plurality of thin boards and a circuit board, the sensor assembly being releasably secured to the target grille and being electrically connected to the circuit board; a rear board releasably secured to both the target grille and the frame; and a score display board on the bottom, the score display board including a signal receiving assembly, wherein when a thrown dart hits one of the target blocks, the hit target block is pressed to displace inward to cause the pegs to contact the sensor assembly and enable one of the switches for running one of a plurality of score calculation programs, in response a score signal is generated by the sensor assembly, the score signal is sent to the signal transmission assembly for enabling it to detect, determine, and encode the signal and wirelessly transmit the encoded signal to the score display, and the signal receiving assembly receives the encoded signal for decoding, analyzing, and showing a score calculated by the score calculation program on the score display board.
 2. The electronic dart of claim 1, wherein each protective frame comprises a first end slope at its longer section, a projection extended from the end slope, a second end slopes at its shorter section being matingly engaged with the first end slope, and a recess in the second end slope for receiving the projection.
 3. The electronic dart of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a plurality of projecting sliding blocks on the bottom and the score display board further comprises a concave engagement portion on the top being matingly engaged with the peripheral arc of the frame, and a plurality of grooves disposed on the engagement portion for releasably receiving the sliding blocks.
 4. The electronic dart of claim 1, wherein the signal transmission assembly further comprises a signal transmission module and an encoding microprocessor, and the signal receiving assembly comprises a receiving module, a decoding microprocessor, a game microprocessor, and a display microprocessor whereby in response to a signal receiving at the receiving module the decoding microprocessor decodes the received signal, the game microprocessor determines which score calculation program is performed, and the display microprocessor shows the score.
 5. The electronic dart of claim 1, wherein the score is added to a password and a dart code of the hit target block to obtain a check sum.
 6. The electronic dart of claim 1, wherein each target block comprises a target block body and a target block frame having an upper opening for receiving the target block body.
 7. The electronic dart of claim 1, wherein each target block comprises a target block body and a hollow target block frame for receiving the target block body.
 8. The electronic dart of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a plurality of rear studs equally spaced apart around the inner flange, the target grille further comprises a plurality of hole-shaped tabs equally spaced apart around the peripheral flange, and the rear board comprises a plurality of first and second apertures so that the rear board and the target grille are able to be secured together by driving a plurality of first fasteners through the first apertures and the tabs, and the rear board and the frame are able to be secured together by driving a plurality of second fasteners through the second apertures and the studs. 